Heading to Florida Panthers’ victory parade? Bring an umbrella and sunscreen

With an expected 200,000 in attendance, Fort Lauderdale government officials are excited to host South Florida’s first ever Stanley Cup victory parade. However, parade-goers should bring umbrellas as rain and thunderstorms are likely following high heat days.

“It’s a big deal,” said Fort Lauderdale mayor Dean Trantalis. “You don’t get to experience the success of the Florida Panthers and Stanley Cup [often]. The economic impact is immeasurable. All the hotel rooms are already booked.”

With an event of this magnitude coming to Fort Lauderdale, city officials are busy trying to ensure a smooth experience for every attendee.

Municipal authorities encouraged attendees to find alternative modes of transportation other than a car. A bus service station from the Broward County Convention Center to the Fort Lauderdale Beach Area will begin around 7 a.m Sunday and end at 10 a.m. Water taxi pickups will be available from the Broward County Convention Center and from downtown Los Olas business district as well.

For those going with their car, larger parking areas include the Galleria Mall, Birch State Park, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Las Olas Garage and the Downtown Las Olas Business district. There will also be parking available downtown. More information about parking spots can be found at fortlauderdale.gov/panthers.

Possible wet and stormy parade

The parade will begin at 11 a.m., and event roads will close at 8:30 a.m. It will follow a route starting at the intersection of A1A and Riomar Street and ending at Southeast Fifth Street.

Coincidentally, National Weather Service forecasters predict that Fort Lauderdale may experience showers and thunderstorms just after the parade’s scheduled start.

The region has a 70% chance of rain and could experience 6 to 10 mph winds. As of Saturday, rainfall amounts are forecast to be between a quarter and half an inch.

Sunday will only be the beginning of a week of possible storms as Miami-Dade and Broward are forecast to see “scattered to numerous” thunderstorms each day.

“The strongest storms could produce gusty winds and heavy downpours,” forecasters said.

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean South Florida will stop experiencing heat indexes over 100 degrees — high temperatures are forecast every day next week.

Authorities instituting safety measures

Police officers will occupy a tent near Bo’s Beach restaurants and hand out wristbands to children. Parents can put their telephone numbers on the wristbands to locate their children should they become separated.

Police Chief William Schultz told the media on Friday that those looking to steal from parade attendees won’t have much luck.

“As far as those who may think that they’re going to come here and victimize our celebrators: forget about it,” Schultz said. “We have not only our uniformed officers, but we have a number of [non-uniformed] plainclothes officers that are going to be on the lookout for just that activity.”

Schultz also highlighted that attendees should bring a limited number of items, including a water bottle.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan emphasized that city administration had concerns about heat exhaustion amongst the crowd. He urged parade-goers to hydrate and find shaded areas whenever possible. The city will also provide water and a splash pad on the parade route.

More information about the event can be found at fortlauderdale.gov/panthers.